Lawn Care Tip:

Save yourself a lot of raking, blowing and
picking up leaves this fall. Leaves are a very valuable source of
organic matter to improve the soil in a lawn and garden. Leaves that
fall onto the lawn can be shredded with a lawnmower and left to
decompose naturally on the lawn. These mulched leaves can be left in
place if they don’t exceed 1 inch in depth. However, deep piles of
leaves that are not removed for several days may smother and kill the
lawn. If you don’t want to mulch them in place on your lawn use a
grass catcher to collect leaves and then use them in the compost pile
or to winter-mulch beds.

Sign up for the Sustainable Landscape Network's "Mow Right" Field Study here. For information about the study - click here.

MOW RIGHT - Mowing Height Field Study

“Mow Right” Field Study

Your participation is needed in a University research project.
The purpose of this study is to measure the adoption of a single lawn
care practice: correct mowing height (3 inches or highest
setting). This is the single most critical practice that
homeowners need to do correctly to have a healthy lawn. All lawn best
management practices hinge on proper mowing. Many university
studies have shown that mowing at 3 inches prevents weed problems, puts
less stress on the grass, contributes to a healthy root system, drought
resistance, better resistance to insects and diseases, and helps prevent
run-off off of soil, fertilizers, chemicals, and pollutants.

This
study is a regional effort among participants from University of
Maryland Extension, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Penn State Extension,
Audubon International and its members, and large and small lawn care
companies. It is our goal to achieve widespread adoption of the 3 inch
mowing height across the region.

Why mow at 3 inches or higher?

It
has been widely documented that at least three inches is the ideal
mowing height for residential turf across the country.

Low and infrequent mowing may be the major cause of lawn deterioration.

It is best to remove no more than 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow.

Mowing to the proper height can reduce weed problems by as much as 50 to 80%.

Sharpen or replace mower blades at least once a year or more frequently if needed.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn. It is a way to recycle nutrients.

Sign Up for Study

Participants will be asked to measure their mowing height and participate in two brief surveys to document results.

After mowing your lawn, use your mowing guide or a ruler to measure your current height of cut, then click here to register. Contact information will be kept confidential.

Your participation in the study will result in a sustainable lawn that will contribute to a healthier community.